Modest Increase in Prescribed Statins Use Predicted

Symphony Health Solutions Predicts Modest Increase in Prescribed Statins Use Based on New Cholesterol Guidelines

New Study Estimates Only 5% Increase in Number of U.S. Patients

SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 26, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Symphony Health Solutions, a provider of high-value market research, analytics and technology solutions for life science manufacturers, payers and providers, today released a study that finds although there is some debate about the new 10-year cardiovascular risk algorithm published recently by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), most practicing physicians agree with the new guidelines and are already treating their patients in-line with them.

As a result, the study predicts only a modest 5% increase in the total number of U.S. patients prescribed statins -- a stark contrast to the "doubling of statin use" that has been discussed in the press. A Study Summary is posted on the Symphony Health Solutions website.

Other highlights from the findings include:

-- Awareness of guidelines is almost universal among U.S. physicians and
very high in Europe
-- Physicians have reacted positively and indicate that they are already
treating patients in-line with the new guidelines
-- There is a diversity of opinion on the updated 10-year cardiovascular
risk algorithm: while one-third of U.S. PCPs believe the new 10-year
risk is overestimated, another quarter believe that it is underestimated
-- Physicians in the U.S. and Europe anticipate prescribing of PCSK9
inhibitors to increase by 55%-60% after these agents prove incremental
cardiovascular risk reduction over high intensity statins

Symphony Health Solutions estimates that roughly 36 million Americans are taking prescription cholesterol-lowering medication, primarily statins. Based on the new ACC and AHA guidelines on the treatment of cholesterol to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults, some sources have cited an anticipated doubling in statin use among U.S. adults. The new guidelines include an updated 10-year cardiovascular risk algorithm.

To measure physician reaction to the new guidelines, Symphony Health Solutions conducted a short AlphaPulse study with practicing physicians in the U.S. and Europe, including 150 primary care physicians and cardiologists in the U.S. and 100 cardiologists in Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain. The study was fielded from November 21-22, 2013.

For more information on Symphony's Custom Research capabilities, visit the Symphony Health Solutions website at www.symphonyhealth.com.

About Symphony Health Solutions

Symphony Health Solutions provides best-in-class information, analytics and technology solutions with actionable insights. The company helps clients grow while enabling a transformation of the healthcare ecosystem. By connecting and integrating a broad set of primary and secondary health research, analytics and consulting, it delivers a comprehensive perspective on the real dynamics that drive business in the life sciences market. For more information, visit www.symphonyhealth.com.

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